What to Do after Job Loss

More and more people with cystic fibrosis (CF) are working. In fact, there are more CF patients in employment than ever before. Sadly, part of being employed is having to be concerned about losing your job. Job loss is a stressful experience. And job loss looks different for each person. For example, some people may get laid off from work. Another person may get fired from their job.¹

There is a difference between getting laid off and being fired. When someone is fired it is because of the employee’s fault. Getting laid off is the fault of the employer. The differences between being fired and getting laid off continue, but we aren’t going to talk about that today. Today I want to share some of the first steps to take if you find yourself without a job or income.

First things first

If you find yourself without a job, it can feel scary. You may feel like the rug has been ripped out from under you. And you may not know what to do next. Let’s go over some of the things Tom Jackson, from In Charge Debt Solutions, recommends if you find yourself unemployed:^1-3

• Ask Human Resources (HR) for a “Laid Off” letter – A Laid Off letter is a document given to you by your employer. This letter will provide proof to a future employer that you were not fired. Additionally, it could provide detailed information about important projects you worked on. If anything is incorrect in your letter, reach out to HR and ask that they make the appropriate changes.
• Ask about insurance coverage – You can often keep insurance coverage for an approved amount of time if you have been laid off. This amount of time is contingent on how far in advance your premiums are paid. Also, if you were laid off from a company with 20 or more employees, you can get COBRA coverage for 18 months after your layoff. This is an insurance plan that allows you to continue coverage for yourself and your family but can cost up to 102 percent of the cost of the plan.
• Check on your final paycheck – Make sure it is the correct amount and that all the deductions have been made. For example, taxes, insurance, etc.
• Review your 401k contributions – A 401k is a retirement plan. You have many options for what to do with your retirement funds. If you are unsure of what to do, reach out to the company and ask for assistance. They will be able to point you in the right direction.
• Investigate a severance package – A severance package is something that employees can get if they are laid off. This is a certain amount of pay and benefits that you qualify for because you worked there.
• File for unemployment – If you were laid off, you are eligible for unemployment. You can apply online. Check your state’s workforce commission website for details about how to apply.
• Put the internet to work for you – Sign up for LinkedIn and other job networking websites such as ZipRecruiter. These websites can help match your skills and experience with a great job opportunity.
• Update your resume – Now is the time to update and polish your resume. If you don’t know where to begin, Google “resume builder” or “resume examples.”
• Start your job search – Looking for a job can feel like you’re running a marathon. Remember to pace yourself and don’t give up. Your next job is out there.

Cystic fibrosis additional tips

Let's say you have worked through all the tips provided above. Hang in there, because there are still a few more things that need to be done. One tip that I personally recommend is speaking with your CF clinic. When my family experienced job loss due to lay-offs during the pandemic, they helped point me in the right direction.

When you call your CF clinic, ask to speak with your social worker on staff. She will have resources available that you may not know about. Additionally, talk with your CF nurse about possibly going from face-to-face visits to telemedicine visits if you live far away from your CF clinic. This will help save money on gasoline and travel expenses.

Job loss is stressful no matter how you look at it. It can feel scary and overwhelming not knowing what to do next. Remember to talk to your support network. And know that there are resources to help during this hard time.